Comparing the safest infant car seats in 2025
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Comparing the safest infant car seats in 2025

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Why Choose An Infant Car Seat with ADAC test?

Selecting the right car seat for your baby is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make in their early years—it’s not just about convenience, but safety and protection in the event of a crash. With countless options on the market, the process can feel overwhelming. I remember the first time I searched for a baby car seat during the final weeks of my pregnancy—I was completely lost in a sea of choices.

Beyond comfort and design, choosing a seat that has undergone ADAC testing is essential (Swedish Plus Test is the cherry on top). ADAC doesn’t just evaluate car seats for ease of use; it conducts rigorous crash tests to ensure they offer optimal protection in real-life accident scenarios. Investing in an ADAC-tested seat means prioritizing proven safety standards, giving you confidence that your baby is as secure as possible on every journey.

I cannot emphasize enough that if you're on a tight budget, the car seat is where you should invest, and you should cut costs on the stroller instead.

Comparing Table: The top 6 Best Rotating Infant Car Seats for 2025 Based On Their ADAC Result

CriteriaSilver Cross Dream + Dream i-Size BaseMaxi-Cosi Coral + FamilyFix3Nuna Pipa Next + Pipa Next BaseBugaboo Turtle Air + Turtle Air WingbaseNuna Pipa UrbnThule Maple + Alfi Base
ADAC Result1.5 (Very Good)1.6 (Good)1.6 (Good)1.6 (Good)1.6 (Good)1.6 (Good)
ADAC Test yearMay 2020May 2020May 2020October 2022May 2024October 2024
PriceCa. 500€Ca. 520€Ca. 370€Ca. 400€Ca. 330€Ca. 570€
Approval40 cm to 85 cm
(<13 kg)		40 cm to 75 cm
(<12 kg)		40 cm to 83 cm
(<13 kg)		40 cm to 83 cm
(<13 kg)		40 cm to 75 cm
(<13 kg)		40 cm to 75 cm
(<13 kg)
Baby seat with harness40-85 cm (up to approx. 1 1/2 years)40-75 cm (up to approx. 1 year)40-83 cm (up to approx. 1 1/2 years)40-83 cm (up to approx. 1 1/2 years)40-75 cm (up to approx. 1 year)40-75 cm (up to approx. 1 year)
Seat weight5.3 kg, Base: 7.2 kg5.3 kg (removable carrycot 1.7 kg), Base: 7.4 kg3.2 kg, Base: 6.7 kg3.3 kg, Base: 7.1 kg3.5 kg5.2 kg, Base: 7.2 kg
Risk of injury in a frontal crash✅ Very low risk✅ Very low risk✅ Very low risk✅ Very low risk✅ Very low risk✅ Very low risk
Risk of injury in a side impact✅ Low risk✅ Very low risk✅ Very low risk✅ Very low risk✅ Very low risk✅ Very low risk
Belt path✅ Optimal✅ Good✅ Optimal✅ Good✅ Good✅ Good
Stability of the child in the vehicle✅ Stable✅ Stable✅ Stable✅ Stable✅ Stable✅ Stable
Risk of incorrect operation✅ Very low risk✅ Very low risk✅ Low risk✅ Very low risk✅ Very low risk✅ Very low risk
Complexity of buckling up your child✅ Easily✅ Easily✅ Easily✅ Easily✅ Easily✅ Easily
Complexity of seat installation✅ Easy✅ Easy✅ Easy✅ Easy✅ Easy✅ Easy
Complexity of understanding instructions✅ Easy-to-understand✅ Easy-to-understand✅ Easy-to-understand✅ Easy-to-understand✅ Easy-to-understand✅ Easy-to-understand
Leg support✅ Very good✅ Good✅ Good✅ Good✅ Good✅ Good
Space requirement of the car seat❌ Increased❌ Very large❌ Increased✅ Small❌ Increased❌ Increased
Padding✅ Good✅ Good✅ Good✅ Good✅ Good✅ Good
Sight for the child❌ Impaired outward vision✅ Good✅ Good✅ Good✅ Good✅ Good
Exemplary seating position✅ Favorable✅ Exemplary✅ Favorable✅ Favorable✅ Favorable✅ Favorable
Space for the child✅ Very good✅ Good✅ Very good✅ Good✅ Good✅ Good
Pollution✅ Very low✅ Very low✅ Very low✅ Very low✅ Low✅ Very low
Machine washable✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Removal of the cover❌ A bit more complicated✅ Easy✅ Easy✅ Easy✅ Easy✅ Easy
Quality of the workmanship❌ Slight manufacturing defects✅ Very good✅ Good✅ Very good✅ Good✅ Good

Key Takeaways from ADAC result: Safest Infant Car Seats 2025

  • 🏆 Best Safety Rating: The Silver Cross Dream + Dream i-Size Base stands out with an ADAC rating of 1.5 (Very Good), making it the safest option among the tested models.
  • 👍 Strong Performers: The Maxi-Cosi Coral, Nuna Pipa Next, Bugaboo Turtle Air, Nuna Pipa Urbn, and Thule Maple all received a "Good" (1.6) ADAC rating, indicating excellent safety performance.
  • ✅ ECE R129/0 and 3i-Size Certified: All six car seats comply with the latest European safety standards, ensuring reliable protection for infants.
  • 👜 Lightweight Choices: The Nuna Pipa Next (3.2 kg) and Bugaboo Turtle Air (3.3 kg) are the lightest options, making them easy to carry.
  • 🔄 Unique Feature: The Maxi-Cosi Coral includes a removable lightweight carrycot, providing extra convenience for parents on the go.
  • 🚗 Space Considerations: The Bugaboo Turtle Air is compact and ideal for smaller vehicles, while the Maxi-Cosi Coral has a larger space requirement.
  • 🛡️ Crash Protection: All models offer very low risk in frontal crashes, ensuring top-tier safety for infants.
  • 🛠️ Premium Build Quality: The Silver Cross Dream and Bugaboo Turtle Air excel in workmanship, featuring high-quality materials.
  • 💰 Price Range: The Nuna Pipa Urbn is the most affordable (€330), while the Thule Maple with Alfi Base is the most expensive (€570).
  • 🧼 Easy Maintenance: All models are machine washable, but Silver Cross Dream has a more complicated cover removal process.

Comparing Table: The top 6 Best Rotating Infant Car Seats for 2025 Based on Their Features

FeatureSilver Cross Dream + Dream i-Size BaseMaxi-Cosi Coral + FamilyFix3Nuna Pipa Next + Pipa Next BaseBugaboo Turtle Air + Turtle Air WingbaseNuna Pipa UrbnThule Maple + Alfi Base
Machine washable✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Eco-friendly✅ Yes❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Breathable mesh✅ Yes❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No❌ No
5-point harness✅ Yes❌ No❌ No✅ Yes❌ No❌ No
Modular❌ No✅ Yes❌ No❌ No❌ No❌ No
XL sun canopy❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Detachable lightweight carrier❌ No✅ Yes❌ No❌ No❌ No❌ No
Reclinable to near lie-flat surface❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No✅ Yes
Adjustable recline base❌ No❌ No✅ Yes❌ No❌ No❌ No
Truelock❌ No❌ No✅ Yes❌ No❌ No❌ No
Lightweight❌ No❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No
Ultra-lightweight❌ No❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No
Flip-out sunshade❌ No❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No❌ No
One-hand rotation❌ No❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No✅ Yes
Belt holder❌ No❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No✅ Yes
Isofix mount directly on the child seat❌ No❌ No❌ No❌ No✅ Yes❌ No
Lie-flat surface usable in the car❌ No❌ No❌ No❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes
Swedish Plus Test❌ No❌ No❌ No❌ No❌ No✅ Yes
Greenguard certified❌ No❌ No❌ No❌ No✅ Yes❌ No
3-point harness❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Secured with car belt✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
R129-i-Size certified✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes

Key Features: Best Rotating Infant Car Seats 2025

  • 🧼 Easy to Clean: All six models are machine washable, ensuring hassle-free maintenance.
  • 🌱 Eco-Friendly Options: The Silver Cross Dream, Nuna Pipa Next, Bugaboo Turtle Air, Nuna Pipa Urbn, and Thule Maple prioritize sustainability with eco-friendly materials.
  • 🛡️ Secure Fit: Only Silver Cross and Bugaboo Turtle Air include a 5-point harness, providing superior safety.
  • 🔄 Modular Convenience: The Maxi-Cosi Coral is the only modular seat, allowing for flexible configurations.
  • ☀️ XL Sun Canopy: Except for Silver Cross, all models feature large sun canopies, offering better shade.
  • 🛏️ Lie-Flat Recline: The Maxi-Cosi Coral, Nuna Pipa Next, Bugaboo Turtle Air, and Thule Maple can recline to a near lie-flat position, enhancing comfort for naps.
  • 🪶 Ultra-Lightweight Choices: Nuna Pipa Next, Bugaboo Turtle Air, and Nuna Pipa Urbn stand out as the lightest options, making them easier to carry.
  • 🔄 One-Hand Rotation: The Nuna Pipa Next, Bugaboo Turtle Air, and Thule Maple offer one-hand rotation, making it simpler to place and remove the child.
  • ✅ R129-i-Size Certified: All six models meet the latest European safety standards, guaranteeing top-tier protection.

1. Silver Cross Dream + Dream i-Size Base

Silver Cross Dream

The Silver Cross Dream is an exceptional choice for parents who prioritize safety. With an ADAC rating of 1.5 (Very Good), it stands out as the safest infant car seat in this comparison. It is designed for infants from 40 cm to 85 cm (up to 13 kg) and is i-Size certified. The Dream i-Size Base ensures secure installation, minimizing the risk of user errors.

Key Features:

  • Ultra-Padded Interior: Provides excellent comfort and support for newborns.
  • ADAC 1.5 (Very Good) Safety Rating: Best in class for crash protection.
  • Isofix Installation: Ensures a stable and secure connection in the car.
  • Newborn Insert: Offers superior head and body support for smaller babies.
  • Machine-Washable Cover: Easy maintenance for busy parents.
  • One-Hand Adjustable Headrest: Customizable fit for growing infants.
  • Ergonomic Carry Handle: Comfortable grip for portability.

Check out all of the details of the Silver Cross Dream car seat here →

2. Maxi-Cosi Coral + FamilyFix3

Maxi-Cosi Coral

The Maxi-Cosi Coral is known for its modular design, featuring a detachable lightweight carrycot (only 1.7 kg). This feature allows parents to carry their sleeping baby without disturbing them. The seat is designed for infants 40 cm to 75 cm (up to 12 kg).

Key Features:

  • ADAC 1.6 (Good) Safety Rating.
  • Innovative Detachable Carrycot: Makes it easier to transport babies.
  • Soft, Breathable Fabrics: Enhances comfort for long journeys.
  • XL Sun Canopy: Protects from sun and wind.
  • Lie-Flat Recline in Stroller Mode: Improves ergonomic positioning.
  • Machine-Washable Cover.

Check out all of the details of Maxi-Cosi Coral car seat here →

3. Nuna Pipa™ Next & Next base next or Nuna Pipa™ Next & Base™ next

Nuna Pipa™ Next

This car seat is one of my favorites. It's ultra-lightweight, compatible with both a seat belt and two different car seat bases, and has undergone three separate ADAC tests — all rated "Good."

The price depends on the setup you choose, but it’s around 370 EUR.

  • Key Features:
    • ADAC 1.8 safety rating with Base™ next (Good ADAC category), ADAC 1.6 safety rating with Next base next and ADAC 2.0 safety rating when only secured with seat belt
    • Rotating feature with one-hand operation — if you've ever tried rotating a car seat with both hands, you’ll appreciate how convenient this is!
    • XL sun canopy with flip-out eyeshade
    • Breathable cover for comfort
    • Seat belt installation option (ADAC rating 2.0 — still in the "Good" category)
    • Greenguard certified — tested and verified for low chemical emissions
    • Pipa Next Base Recline is adjustable to your car seat
    • Ultra-lightweight — only 3.2 kg
    • Machine-washable, eco-friendly fabric
    • Adjustable headrest for growing babies
    • Suitable for children between 40 to 83 cm in height (up to 13 kg — approximately 18 months old)
    • R129-i-Size certified

In the ADAC car seat test, the only negative point was related to operation:

  • Complexity of buckling up your child — Requires a long vehicle seat belt for installation without the Isofix base.

Check out all of the details of the Nuna Pipa™ Next car seat here →

I need to highlight here that Nuna named their car seat bases in a rather unusual way, so try not to mix them up.

There is the Nuna Base™ Next, which can rotate and is compatible with Nuna Cari™, Pipa™ Next, Arra™ Next, and Todl™ Next. It features a secure display, TrueLock system, and 360° rotation (180° for infant car seats).

The other base is the Nuna Pipa™ Next Base, which has an ADAC 1.6 safety rating when paired with the Nuna Pipa™ Next car seat. However, this base cannot rotate and is not compatible with other car seats.

4. Nuna Pipa Urbn

Nuna Pipa Urbn

The Nuna Pipa Urbn is designed for city dwellers who need a lightweight, travel-friendly car seat without compromising safety. With a direct Isofix attachment, it eliminates the need for a base, making it a hassle-free option for taxis and ride-sharing services.

Key Features:

  • ADAC 1.6 (Good) Safety Rating.
  • Revolutionary Built-in Isofix System: No need for a separate base.
  • Ultra-Lightweight (3.5 kg): One of the lightest car seats available.
  • Greenguard Certified: Ensures low chemical emissions.
  • Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Soft, breathable, and machine-washable.
  • R129-i-Size Certified: Meets the latest European safety regulations.

Check out all of the details of Nuna Pipa Urbn car seat here →

5. Bugaboo Turtle Air + Turtle Air Wingbase

Bugaboo Turtle Air

The Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna is a compact and lightweight infant car seat designed for families who use Bugaboo strollers. It offers a seamless travel system experience with an easy click-on mechanism.

Key Features:

  • ADAC 1.6 (Good) Safety Rating.
  • Lightweight (3.3 kg): Easy to carry and transfer between vehicles.
  • XL Sun Canopy with UPF 50+: Provides superior sun protection.
  • Aeroflex Foam Technology: Enhances safety while maintaining a lightweight design.
  • Wingbase for Extra Side-Impact Protection.
  • Machine-Washable Cover.

Check out all of the details of Bugaboo Turtle Air car seat here →

6. Thule Maple & Alfi Base

This car seat is a newcomer, with its ADAC test conducted in October 2024. Thule has crafted something truly unique — I highly recommend taking a moment to check out their campaign video.

After 4 years, 7 strollers, and 5 car seats, I can confidently say Thule consistently stands out when it comes to quality, comfort, and ease of use.

The price varies based on the setup you choose, but it’s approximately 570 EUR.

  • Key Features:
    • All-around comfort from ergonomic lie-flat position on stroller
    • The EasyDock technology makes it easy to mount the car seat to the base
    • ADAC 1.6 safety rating with Alfi Base (Good ADAC category)
    • Rotating feature with one-hand operation — if you've ever tried rotating a car seat with both hands, you’ll appreciate how convenient this is!
    • XXL sun canopy
    • It's a modular system meaning if you buy the base you can use the Elm seat later with it.
    • Breathable cover for comfort
    • Seat belt installation option (ADAC rating 2.2 — still in the "Good" category)
    • Lightweight — only 5.4 kg
    • Machine-washable, eco-friendly fabric
    • Suitable for children between 40 to 75 cm in height (up to 13 kg — approximately 12 months old)
    • R129-i-Size certified

In the ADAC car seat test, the negative points were related to operation, ergonomics:

  • Operation — Heavy
  • Ergonomics — Increased space requirements and Impaired outward vision for the child

Check out all of the details of the Thule Maple car seat here →

Final Thoughts: Which Car Seat is Best for You?

When selecting an infant car seat, it’s essential to consider safety, weight, ease of use, and additional features. Here’s a quick breakdown of the best choices depending on your priorities:

  • 🏆 Best Overall Safety: Silver Cross Dream (ADAC 1.5 – Very Good)
  • 👜 Most Convenient for Travel: Nuna Pipa Urbn (Built-in Isofix, No Base Needed)
  • 🔄 Best Modular System: Maxi-Cosi Coral (Detachable Carrycot)
  • 🚗 Most Compact for Small Cars: Bugaboo Turtle Air
  • 🪶 Lightest Option: Nuna Pipa Next (3.2 kg)

All of these car seats are ADAC-tested with Very Good or Good ratings, meaning they provide top-tier safety for your little one. Whether you prioritize lightweight portability, modularity, or top-rated crash protection, there’s a perfect choice for every parent.

ADAC resources

Check out Silver Cross Dream ADAC test here →

Check out Maxi Cosi Coral ADAC test here →

Check out Nuna Pipa™ Next & Pipa Next Base ADAC test here →

Check out Nuna Pipa™ Next & Pipa Base Next ADAC test here →

Check out Bugaboo Turtle Air with Turtle Air Wingbase ADAC test here →

Check out Thule Maple ADAC test here →

Check out Nuna pipa urbn ADAC test here →